Sister M. Leci Defends Doctoral Thesis, Passo Fundo, Brazil

Sister M. Leci Salete Paier (Holy Cross Province, Passo Fundo – Brazil) defended the thesis for her PhD in Education from the University of Vale do Rio dos Sinos (Unisinos) on February 20, 2017. The title of the thesis was Christian-Humanist Education in a Context of Commercialization: a Study of Notre Dame Schools in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

Initially, Sister M. Leci was given thirty minutes for her presentation. After that, each one of the four Professors on the examination board had their time for comments, questions for clarification, or direct inquiring on the thesis. The interaction with the board: Altair (Universidade de Passo Fundo – UPF), Moisés (Centro Universitário La Salle), Rosangela and Flávia (Unisinos), lasted more than three hours.

In the end, professors, audience, and the PhD candidate all stood to listen to the reading of the Final Opinion by the thesis mentor, Dr. Berenice Corsetti. Sister M. Leci S. Paier was approved. At that time, she was the newest PhD in Education. Sister was highly praised for her research, carried out with courage and consistency. In addition, she was commended for her ability to take an objective stance on the ND Institution itself and make an impartial analysis.

The Congregation of the Sisters of Notre Dame was also praised for offering to its members the opportunity to take master and doctoral degrees. Sister M. Leci is grateful to all who collaborated and cooperated in the pursuit of her thesis.